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Cadon’s pulse began to beat a touch harder. He tied his boots on with quick, stiff motions, then bolted out the door. His link with Brielle had snapped from the abrupt awakening, and his chest now ached from trying to get it back. The absence felt so wrong, he could barely breathe.

Snow started to fall as he raced down Main Street toward the candy shop, his one and only thought to get to Brielle. His heart pounded as he rounded the corner and saw the feminine silhouette on the sidewalk.

“Brielle.”

The figure spun at his call and sprinted toward him. Arms spread, Cadon caught Brie as her body slammed into his. Her momentum almost knocked them both to the ground. Her hands tore at his coat as she demanded a list of injures. Tears shimmered on her cheeks, her eyes dilated in fear.

“Cadon! Dear gods, what happened? Are you okay? Where are you hurt?”

Cadon’s answer was to grab both her hands and hold them tight against his chest. His forehead dropped against hers as calm stole over him. Just from the scent of her shampoo. Just from the touch of her skin.

“I’m fine, Brielle. It’s over now. Everything is fine. Don’t fret.”

“Please,” she cried, voice hushed, “tell me what’s going on? I woke up terrified that you were injured, and I couldn’t do anything. And then when I tried to feel you through the link, I couldn’t, and I panicked, and—”

He swallowed hard as the tears choked off her words, and hugged her tight. “I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you everything. Please, Brie, kiss me. I need you to—”

Brielle rose on tiptoe and sealed her mouth to his. Cadon groaned, a soft rumble of contentment and flared passion. Did any woman ever taste as good as she? If so, he couldn’t recall.

She threw her arms around his neck and pressed closer to his chest. Their link slammed back into place in a thick, glowing line of life. He got so caught up in her soul-searching kiss that the puzzled expression on her face when she drew back made no sense.

“Brie, sugar, what’s wrong?”

She took a small step backwards. Her chest rose and fell with her rapid breathing. “What-what the hell are you?”

His heart plummeted to his feet, then rushed like a geyser back up to settle behind his voice box. She stared at his mouth like he had—

Closing his eyes, Cadon cursed and focused on his elongated teeth. Damn. He willed them back into his gums. When his gaze lifted again, Brie was still in the same spot. The frown on her beautiful features wasn’t from horror or disgust. More like…confusion. Confusion he could handle. And fix.

“Brielle, I can explain.”

“You have fangs.” She waved her hands in small circles. “Fangs. Hello. Fangs.”

He didn’t know what to say, so he shrugged. “Yes, I do.”

“Because…?”

“Long story. How about a cup of coffee?” He wanted to reach for her hand, but didn’t dare.

Her head shook back and forth in a stunned, wooden motion that tugged at his heart. And stung his pride. He frightened her. The very last thing he ever wanted.

“Please, sugar. Give me a chance to explain.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you. You. Have. Fangs.”

“Brie?” He waited until her gaze met his and said, “I won’t hurt you. I promise.”

She rubbed her arms, tucked her hands into her coat pockets, clearly uneasy. The action stung. He was surprised just how much. Dear Odin, don’t take her from me, Cadon thought on a prayer. Don’t let this be the curse Sabon envisioned.

“I’m only a man, sweetheart.”

She arched a brow.

“Okay, I’m a man with perks. Please don’t be afraid. I swear on my very soul, you are the last person to ever have cause to fear me.”

Her teeth came out to chew her bottom lip. Cadon saw the need to flee swelling in her frightened eyes. His entire being screamed in protest at the thought of continued pain. They were linked, through and through. She couldn’t take that away even if she did run.

“Brie?”

“Perks,” she responded. “Pointy teeth and a sense of humor are perks? I feel so much better now.”

Unable to resist—no—needing to see her acceptance, Cadon held out his hand, palm up. “Come home with me. We’ll talk.”

Her chin lifted a notch as she stared hard at his fingers. He waited. Come on, baby. Just reach for me. One step.

“Or we can go to your shop,” he added when she continued to stare. “Neutral ground.”

“There is no neutral ground when you are near,” she muttered.

Cadon closed his eyes for a moment. There was truth to that statement, and he should heed the warning. But not tonight. Tonight, he needed her. Everything about her. When he looked again, she was sliding her palms over her thighs, as if they were sweaty even with the frigid air of the night.

“I can do coffee, in the shop,” she mused, drew in a deep breath, and laid her trembling hand in his. “But if you bite me, I’ll kill you. Deal?”

A smile bloomed before he could stop it.

“I mean it,” she added. “I’ve got a wicked punch and some seriously sharp knives.”
Cadon squeezed gently in reassurance, then tugged her forward and kissed her forehead. “I am forewarned then. You won’t regret this, Brie.”

Her gaze lifted to his face and held a moment. “This better be good. And I mean, really, really good. It’s late, and I am standing here in the snow in my pajamas and coat, ruining my good slippers.”

He glanced down at her feet and laughed. Huge pink bunny slippers, complete with drooping ears and massive bulging blue eyes. How could he be so blind? She cracked a smile and wiggled her toes. Still chuckling, he picked her up. “Guess I owe you more than coffee then.”